2013 US Youth Soccer ODP Girls Thanksgiving Interregional: Day 2

BOCA RATON, Fla. (November 25, 2013) – The 2013 US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Girls Thanksgiving Interregional continued its second day of play on Monday in Boca Raton, Fla., and featured the opening games for the 1996 and 1997 age groups. The six-day tournament will take place November 24-29 at Spanish River Athletic Park, and will feature elite girls teams in the 1996-1999 age groups from each of the four US Youth Soccer regions.

The nearly 300 leading players participating in the event have been selected from US Youth Soccer State Association and regional level evaluations. Throughout the week, players will train at practices and compete in matches against other regions, in front of national staff and collegiate coaches to maximize their exposure for selection to the next level of play.

US Youth Soccer ODP is the nation's original player identification program. With programs in all 55 US Youth Soccer State Associations, it is available to any player, regardless of hometown or club affiliation. US Youth Soccer ODP has continued its tradition of elite competition and player development for more than 30 years, and is the only development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and a majority of current and past national and youth national team members as alumni. To learn more, visit www.usyouthsoccer.org/programs/OlympicDevelopmentProgram.

Highlights from Day 2:

1996 Girls: Region II v. Region IV

The day commenced with a matchup between Region II and Region IV. Region II produced a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes with goals by Kristelle Yewah and Heather Handwork. Region IV’s Elizabeth Phillips found the back of the net in the 22nd minute, making it 2-1 by halftime. Just as Region II was about to take the win with just five minutes remaining in the match, the Region IV side was able to level the score with Sarina Bolden’s goal, and the result was a 2-2 tie.

1996 Girls: Region I v. Region III

The 1996 match between Region I and Region III concluded in a 1-1 tie. Region I took the lead when Kayla Saager scored minutes before entering halftime, but Region III’s Courtney McLeod found the equalizer in the 61st minute of the second half. Both teams tried hard to convert their opportunities, but the remainder of the match saw no more goals.

1997 Girls: Region II v. Region IV

Region IV obtained a 1-0 victory against the 1997 Region II Girls team. The game winner was produced in the 44th minute by Grace Cutler. Region IV was able to maintain the shutout for the entire second half giving them the win.

1997 Girls: Region I v. Region III

Region III defeated Region I with a slew of late goals. The first half remained scoreless, and both teams fought hard to break through the stalemate. In the 72nd minute, Region III’s Callie McKinney was able to find the back of the net, and Alexandra Thomas doubled their lead just three minutes later. Jennifer Westendorf and Mariana Speckmaier concluded the last ten minutes of the match with two additional tallies, giving Region III a 4-0 win.